Industrial Building System (IBS): a Unique Intra-Module Connection on Modular Steel Building (MSB)

Modular Steel Building (MSB) provide benefits towards green building technology such as minimum wastage, faster build time and cost-efficiency. The intra-module connection is the most important aspect of MSB construction since it has a significant impact on overall structural stability and robustness. A novel intra-module connection was proposed for the MSB. The proposal was designed to suit the illustrative five-storey hexagon shape modular steel building that possibly imagines by Architect. Two analyses phases are being presented, namely the Macro and Microanalysis model. The former is the stage for global analysis design of the proposed five-storey hexagon shape modular steel building via SAP2000. The latter is the local intra-module connection behaviour analysis using ABAQUS software. Linear and nonlinear static analyses were carried out on the proposed intra-module connection under the vertical applied load. In this work, the failure of the connection under the given load was governed by the hexagon diaphragm, while the fin plate demonstrates the least affected constitutive component. It anticipates that the suggested unique intra-module connection will encourage architects to employ modular steel construction designs with greater flexibility. Future research will concentrate on the parametric study to improve the performance of the diaphragm and the connection’s limitations.